NYSPEP MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KAREN KISSINGER

NYSPEP Member Spotlight: Karen Kissinger

Karen Kissinger has served on NYSPEP's Steering Committee since 2008, and is a member of New York State Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC). She also works at the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). Her current work focuses on child care providers and supporting the OCFS Regional Offices. This includes training and licensing staff, enhancing quality improvement, providing technical assistance, and implementing policies related to regulations.

Karen states, "Child care providers strengthen families and communities every day. I am honored to support these 19,000 child care programs that serve over 500,000 children and their families." 

Prior to joining the Division of Child Care Services, Karen was part of Child Welfare and Community Services. In that role, she partnered with community-based organizations to prevent child abuse, reduce foster care entry, and prevent elder abuse.

Karen also serves on the Board of a Foundation to support innovative learning experiences and community partnerships with her local school district. Previous experience includes developing training for child care providers, co-teaching at a child care center, and serving on the boards of an after-school program and a youth development organization.

Honoring Fathers

Did you know there are differences in the way moms and dads raise children? For example, moms provide babies with a sense of warmth and security when holding baby against mom's chest, arms wrapped around baby, which limits movement. Dads provide babies with a sense of adventure and independence when positioning baby facing outward and bouncing or gently lifting baby in the air. Gender plays an role in parenting and in child development. Babies need engagement from both moms and dads for optimal healthy development. In recognition of the important roles father play in the lives of children, NYSPEP wishes all fathers and male primary caregivers a Happy Father's Day!

Below are two unique gift-ideas for Dad. Both support a worthy cause. 

 

Are you looking for a special Father's Day gift that supports a great cause? Ties.com is offering limited edition ties inspired by NBA stars Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love, Lawrence Jackson, and Ronny Turiaf. All proceeds of these hand-numbered ties go to the non-profit Prevent Child Abuse America to support programs to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children.

Another way to celebrate Father's Day and support a great cause is to send a free NO MORE e-card, which honors the role of fathers in being role models of respect. Simply upload a personal photograph and select from a menu of messages that affirm wonderful men. No More is a symbol of awareness to end domestic violence and sexual assault.